A deep, talented Martin County tennis team hopes to make noise at state

Over the course of the tennis season, Martin County seniors Ryan Kealy and Ian Sigalow have not gotten many headlines.

That's not really their role as the No. 4 and 5 singles players for the unbeaten Tigers. But it's almost impossible to overestimate what they have done for the team, which will play in its second consecutive Class 3A state tournament beginning Wednesday.

Last year, the two played higher in the lineup at Nos. 2 and 3. An influx of new, talented players in Michael Rinaldi (No. 1), Logan Walker (No. 2) and J.J. Sanguily (No. 3) this year resulted in Kealy and Sigalow moving down the lineup.

It is the reason why Martin County (16-0) is so deep this year.

"I think we're stronger now," Kealy said. "It's nice playing against kids that are more the same level. The kids at one, two and three are all Michael and Logan and J.J. So we're hoping for closer matches at state.

"Last year was more, make it to state and have fun. This year we expected to go to state and now we want to do something. We want to be in the top four, top three teams."

The Martin County girls also won the regional championship and are headed for their sixth consecutive Class 3A state tournament.

In Class 2A, Lincoln Park Academy senior Michelle Sabado will be making her third trip to state in the individual singles competition. Sabado earned that right by winning the district at No. 1 singles. She will also play in the doubles competition for the first time after winning the district championship at No. 1 doubles with partner Jennifer Gosney. Gosney, an eighth grader is making her first trip to state.

"I think last year's experience does help Ryan and Ian," said Martin County boys coach Skipper Morgan, who takes a low-key approach to the tournament. "We'll go up and get the draw. It's an honor for all these kids to get there. They are looking forward to it. They get to go up and play a lot of good and see a lot of good tennis."

The girls (16-1) return two players from last year state team in junior Hanna Slutsky (No. 1) and senior Melany Frehafer (No. 3). Freshmen Stephanie Pompa (No. 2) and Ari Desman (No. 4) earned their spots early in the season, but it was the late rise of junior Julia Cusamano (No. 5) that solidified the lineup just before the district tournament.

Cusamano is a first-year player who moved in from Michigan.

"When she came here, she was at least eighth or ninth on the depth chart," coach Walt Scherer said. "She's just really improved. She's tough and she's a good doubles player."

Cusamano has played No. 2 doubles most of the year.

"I've been working really hard and I can see it's paying off," she said. "I was really excited when I learned about the team and kind of afraid I might not be in the top five. And I wasn't in the beginning. That motivated me."

The Tigers are always confidence of a high finish at state — they were fourth last year — but the draw is always a factor. Scherer is hopeful.

"If we get a good draw, we could go a long way," he said. "This is the first time we're going to state with such good doubles teams."